Up to 95 per cent of reported car theft cases are closed without the thief ever being identified, according to a recent investigation.

Analysis of Home Office crime outcomes data found UK police forces were catching the guilty party in just under 25 per cent of vehicle theft cases on average, despite crime rates rising.

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Police close up to 95 per cent of car theft cases without identifying the culprit

Conducted by Press Association, the research examined figures for the theft or “unauthorised taking” of a motor vehicle from 43 police forces in England and Wales, plus British Transport Police.

It found on average, police close investigations without identifying a suspect in three quarters of reported vehicle thefts – but rates were as high as 95 per cent in some forces.

In total, the forces recorded 106,334 offences of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle in 2017/18, which is the highest tally since 2009/10.

But in 81,788 of these offences, the outcome was “investigation complete – no suspect identified”.

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Rates of vehicle theft are at the highest level since 2009/10

Police will close a case in this manner once it has been investigated “as far as reasonably possible” and no other investigative opportunities are present at the time.

City of London Police recorded the highest number of vehicle theft cases closed without the culprit being identified, at 95 per cent – but it also recorded the smallest number of these offences, with just 54.

West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police experienced the next highest incidence of cases with no suspect, closing 91 per cent and 85 per cent of recorded vehicle thefts.

Simon Williams, RAC Insurance spokesman, said: “This is a sign that thieves have found ways around car security systems and have ways of selling vehicles on with little or no fear of being caught.

“The fact fewer suspects are being identified is very worrying and no doubt a symptom of the declining number of police officers and the resulting reduction in time that can be dedicated to investigating these crimes.”

The findings prompted warnings that victims could be put off reporting offences, while criminals are given a “green light to reoffend”.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Commons Home Affairs committee, said: “Too many investigations are closing without suspects being identified and we are hearing increasing reports of the police being too overstretched to investigate.

“Police forces are under immense pressure with rising serious and violent crime and changing patterns of crime alongside cuts in the numbers of officers and PCSOs.

“These figures suggest that investigations into volume crimes are now being hit. Failing to identify suspects gives criminals a green light to reoffend.”

Alex Mayes, of charity Victim Support, said: “News like this could undermine confidence in the criminal justice system and prevent people reporting in the future.”

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Police chiefs say increased demand and reduced officer numbers mean they have to prioritise cases where there is a realistic chance of prosecution.

City of London Police said vehicle crime is a priority for the force: “A dedicated operation has been established to tackle this crime type which typically occurs in car parks and areas with limited public footfall.”

Along with car theft, the research also analysed figures on shoplifting and residential burglary.